With redistricting, the new legislative district for Berlin now includes Northfield, instead of a section of Barre City. It’s a great pairing especially since many Berlin residents who live in the Rte. 12 corridor already feel a special connection to Northfield.

We now have to elect two individuals to represent us in Montpelier. I am excited to be voting for Anne Donahue, who has been Northfield’s representative for 5 terms. She has been a tireless advocate for her constituents and for all Vermonters on key issues to include mental health. She is a voice of integrity and brings results.

I am also thrilled to be supporting the re-election of Patti Lewis who has done an incredible job representing Berlin during her first term in office. Patti has made a real impact in the State House. Her love of community and knowledge of municipal administration and finances has been a real asset. She has helped shape policy decisions and the outcome of numerous bills important to Vermonters.

As examples, Patti supported a refund of the property transfer tax to those who purchased replacement mobile homes after Irene, co-sponsored a bill that makes it a crime to assault a health care worker and supported efforts to require CVPS to return “windfall” payments to ratepayers.

Patti has been Berlin’s Treasurer for 8 and a half years. Her experience has been called upon numerous times when municipal and school-related finance, property values and taxation issues arise. Patti has also been a strong advocate for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, where she and her husband Albie volunteer.

Both Patti and Anne will make a strong team. Residents of Berlin and Northfield will have a representative from each town — a representative that knows her “hometown” and understands her constituents and municipality. Working together they will be active participants in their expanded district and will work for the benefit of us all. Please join me in voting for Patti Lewis and Anne Donahue — we couldn’t be better served.